Understudy Keeping Bart In Fab Form

Goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski feels that he has to be on top of his game if he is to prevent his understudy from stealing his shirt.

Fabian Spiess has been in fine form for the development squad and impressed in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month.

Despite being just 19, the German stopper has shown the qualities of a much more experienced player whenever called upon at first team level.

Bialkowski is well aware that Spiess is breathing down his neck and feels that he has to keep showing why he is one of Sky Bet League 1’s most highly-rated custodians with more performances like his Man of the Match display against Swindon Town.

“Competition is always good for places and Fabs is doing really well – he’s working very hard,” he told Magpie Player.

“I need to stay on my toes all the time that I’m playing and training because he wants to play as well.

“But, there’s only one place in the team for a goalkeeper and I want to play.

“I will do everything I can to stay in the team, as I know it is not easy sitting on the bench all the time and I’ve been in that situation.

“He’s a good lad with good character and he’s confident as well and I know he’ll keep pushing me as hard as he can.”

Bialkowski is expected to continue in goal against Gillingham on Tuesday night.

The Gills are just two points better off than Notts and the Pole sees the meeting as a crucial encounter for the team.

“It’s a massive game, they’re struggling at the moment as well,” he said.

“We just need to go out and be tough to beat, score a few good goals and to keep a clean sheet would be nice.